I am needing to make a career change and one of my options is the IT field. I enjoy computers, but not sitting at one all day. I think that something in the help desk or networking fields might be good, as there is a mix of computer work along with moving around and interacting with people. My question is about the education needed to start of in a good position in the network admin/help desk field. What certifications do I need? Do I need and Associates, a Bachelors? What is the general opinion on tech schools (ITT, ECPI, etc.).

I already have a B.S., but it is in a field completely unrelated to IT. Just wondering what it would take to get into the field. Also, for those guys out there who do help desk/network admin type work, what is it like? Just wondering if I have the right image in my mind of being able to work with computers but also having human interaction, customer service skills, and moving around. I don't think I could handle sitting at a computer for 8 hours straight.
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I move around when I go to meetings. I think the only guys here at work that actually move around a lot are the desktop techs.
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I am a computer programmer. I only have my Associate's but a Bachelors degree definitely helps. I don't have any certifications, but those may help at a larger company when they are deciding between candidates.
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I was at one time a help desk maestro. I hated it. With a passion. Still do. Talking to people who have no clue about what you need them to do. Ticketing systems are always ****ed up.

I attended ITT Tech for the equivalent of four semesters. I tested out of a lot of classes, they were very easy. Granted I had previous experience. Their general education classes are a review of 5th-8th grade. Also, ITT Tech has an unrealistic attendance expectation. You are penalized for taking breaks.
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I am an IT guy - currently looking for work by the way. Anyone need an iSeries-i5-AS/400 Technical Specialist? I am willing to telecommute!

I've been in the industry since 1981. I have done operations, programming, analysis, project management, telecommunications, networking, help desk, etc.

As our BOTL from Mesa says above, Help Desk is awful. Not only for all of the reasons he mentions, but you are the center of the crap universe. No one calls you because they are having a good day or things are working as they should. Their problems are always the most important problem.

A piece of advice if that is where you'd like to hang your hat. Don't let it effect you. I was accused a few times of not caring about their problems. The reality was, I cared but I did not let it get to me and become emotionally involved. It may seem like the end of the world to them, but it hardly ever works out that way.

As far as certification is concerned, I would look at the ITIL Foundations. It is not hardware or software specific but precedure oriented. Technology comes and goes, ITIL will be consistant.
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For what you describe I'd recommend getting some basic certifications - A+, anything Microsoft, etc. Then trying to get on with an IT consulting company. You won't make a lot to begin with, but once you demonstrate that you're reliable and learn fast they will guide your education based on their clients needs. You'll get exposure to many different systems / company envoronments, then as your experience and knowledge grows you can decide what area you want to concentrate on and if you'd rather shift to the corporate environment you can.
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I went to a tech school got my MCSE, MCDBA , A+ certs. and still was unable to break in to the IT field. I do work on pc's some on the side but thats about the extent of my IT career.
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